The charges — filed after incidents tied to Union City public meetings — included:

Disrupting a public meeting Defiant trespass Disorderly conduct

Every single charge is now gone.

 Another Case Falls Apart

This wasn’t just one case.

Charges brought forward by Officer Ivis Arias and Sgt. Jasen Bellamy have now both been dismissed, continuing a pattern where cases against Leroy Truth fail to hold up in court.

This isn’t random.

Multiple cases tied to his activism and reporting have reportedly ended the same way — dismissed or dropped. While a full official count of outcomes isn’t independently confirmed in one place, the repeated results are hard to ignore.

At some point, it stops looking like coincidence.

The Secaucus Municipal Prosecutor commented during the court hearing stating that “we must stop trying to chill free speech with these charges”, as charges were being dismissed.

 Officer Arias and Sgt. Bellamy Under Fire

This case puts a spotlight directly on Officer I. Arias and Sgt. Jasen Bellamy, whose charges ultimately collapsed in court.

Critics are now raising serious concerns about both officers, particularly when one is a supervisor, especially when it comes to:

– Understanding basic constitutional rights

– Proper handling of public meetings

– Knowing the limits of police authority in First Amendment settings

Let’s break it down simply:

– Police cannot remove someone just for speaking out.

– They cannot stretch disorderly conduct laws to cover criticism

– They cannot use trespass charges to bypass constitutional protections

Those are not advanced legal concepts — those are fundamentals.

When both officers’ cases get dismissed, the question becomes unavoidable:

Were these arrests based on law — or poor judgment? Do these officers actually understand the law they were enforcing or were they enforcing their feelings?

Officer Arias is also the mistress of Captain Omar Hernandez, who ordered the first arrest of Leroy Truth for “disrespecting the commissioners” in a public commissioners meeting. Another charge that has been previously dismissed on constitutional grounds.

 Bigger Questions About Leadership and Influence

Beyond the officers themselves, critics are pointing to larger issues inside the department, including:

– Allegations that enforcement actions in political settings are being pushed from higher up.

– Concerns that officers are being placed in situations without proper legal guidance or training .

– Ongoing questions about internal relationships and influence.

These concerns have not been proven in court — but they continue to resurface every time another case falls apart.

And now, it’s happening again.

 This Isn’t Just About One Case

These incidents all stem from public meetings — places where people are supposed to challenge government openly.

Yes, there are rules.

Yes, meetings need order.

But the law is clear:

You cannot punish someone simply for being critical or outspoken during their public comment time.

That’s where the line is.

And based on the outcome in court, that line may have been crossed.

 A Pattern That’s Getting Hard to Ignore

Leroy Truth has consistently criticized Union City leadership, including Mayor Brian Stack.

Some see him as a watchdog.

Others see him as disruptive.

But here’s what actually matters:

The charges are not sticking.

And now, with cases tied to both Officer Arias and Sgt. Bellamy dismissed, the pattern becomes even harder to dismiss as coincidence.

 A Bad Look for Union City Police

No matter how you look at it, this is a problem.

When multiple officers bring cases that don’t survive in court, it:

– Wastes public resources

– Damages the department’s credibility

– Raises serious concerns about training and decision-making

And when it happens repeatedly — it becomes more than just a mistake.

It becomes a pattern.

 Bottom Line

This case is over.

The charges are dismissed.

But the real issue remains:

Why do these cases keep failing — especially when brought by multiple officers like Arias and Bellamy?

Chief Walter Laurencio needs to take a closer look at officers abusing the criminal justice system with frivolous charges. At the end of the day it falls under his watch.

Until that question is answered, every future arrest tied to public criticism will face the same scrutiny — from the public and from the courts.

What’s the score now with total criminal charges dismissed…Leroy wins 28-0 in court so far!

The post Charges Against “Leroy Truth” Dismissed in Secaucus Court — Another Embarrassing Loss for Union City Police..AGAIN first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

The complaint documents indicate that the incident is connected to activities surrounding a political campaign event attended by supporters and volunteers of Mayor and State Senator Brian P. Stack.

Individuals Named in Complaint Records and Charges Listed

According to the complaint records reviewed:

Andre Stevens is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). After physically shoving the journalist onto a vehicle and strangling him.

Ernesto J. Ferrera-Robles is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). This individual is seen to purposely follow the journalist throughout the entire event blowing air horns in the ears of the Journalist .

Luis R. Beltran is listed as charged with third-degree aggravated assault — attempt to cause significant bodily injury under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(b)(7). Also followed and harassed the journalist with an airhorn.

Elisa T. Cuenca is listed as charged with third-degree criminal mischief involving alleged property damage exceeding statutory limits under N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3(a)(1). Also followed and harassed the journalist by consistently blocking the camera view and his personal view with a Campaign sign, a consistently impeding his way of travel.



The complaint records reference offense dates in June 2025 and appear to stem from the same overall police investigation.

Allegations Regarding the Incident

According to allegations described by individuals familiar with the matter, the confrontation occurred while an investigative journalist was documenting campaign activities. It is alleged that campaign volunteers followed the journalist, blocked camera views using political signs, and attempted to intimidate him from reporting on the event.

It is further alleged that at one point a volunteer physically confronted the journalist, including grabbing and pushing him against a vehicle. These allegations remain subject to court proceedings.

Political Reaction and Public Criticism

The incident has generated political controversy and public criticism. Some critics argue that campaign leadership and elected officials connected to the event should have ensured a safe environment for journalists and members of the public.

Criticism has also been directed at prominent political figures associated with the campaign, including Mayor and State Senator Brian Stack, as well as Assemblyman Larry Wainstein and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez, with opponents alleging a failure to prevent or discourage confrontational conduct by supporters.

None of these public officials are listed as defendants in the complaint records reviewed and none has made comments of the incident.

Court Process Ahead

The charged individuals are expected to appear in court as the cases move through the criminal justice process. The proceedings will determine whether the charges proceed to indictment, trial, dismissal, or other resolution.

Presumption of Innocence

All charges described in the complaint records are allegations only.

Each named individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law following due process.

The post Stack’s Campaign Confrontation Leads to Criminal Charges first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

Officials have not yet released the victim’s identity or any details regarding potential suspects. The area remains an active crime scene as detectives continue their investigation.

More information will be provided as soon as it becomes publicly available through official sources.

The post Fatal Shooting Under Investigation on Bergenline Avenue in Union City first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

A total of 23 teachers so far have been accused of sexually assaulting Union City, NJ students and Leroy Truth has the complete list.

A LEROY TRUTH INVESTIGATIONS EXCLUSIVE!

SHOCKING TWIST! MAYOR BRIAN STACK HAD LEROY TRUTH ARRESTED FOR INVESTIGATING AND REPORTING ON THE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS if you’re trying to protect the Union City, NJ School children from the alleged sexual predators!

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EXTREMELY IMPORTANT NOTE: MAYOR BRIAN STACK HAS TARGETED Independent Investigative Journalist Leroy Truth to try to stop Leroy from protecting the unit city, NJ school children and trying to stop Leroy Truth from continuing to investigate and report on these extremely disturbing allegations against Union City, NJ teachers!

Union City, NJ Mayor and Senator Brian Stack, in an attempt to STOP Leroy Truth from continuing to investigate and report on these extremely disturbing allegations, had Leroy Truth arrested and falsely charged with a felony of aggravated assault against a police officer which did NOT happen.

Leroy Truth was Live-streaming on his YouTube channel when he was arrested and falsely charged with crimes he did NOT commit and LEROY TRUTH HAS VIDEO PROOF that there was absolutely no assault against the Union City Police officer as EVERYTHING was recorded by Leroy Truth as it was happening.

Leroy Truth is looking at five years in state prison if found guilty of a crime he did NOT commit For simply doing his job as an investigative journalist.

Also, Leroy Truth knows what these electric victims as he is also a sexual assault survivor and was sexually assaulted by a Catholic priest for four years when he was an altar boy starting at the age of 7 years old.

A grand jury in Hudson County is scheduled to convene on March 30th, 2026 to decide if they will INDICT Leroy Truth an innocent man who was arrested and falsely charged for trying to protect the Union City, NJ school children from sexual predator teachers.

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Read the EXTREMELY DISTURBING details BELOW OF EXACTLY WHAT THE UNION CITY, NJ TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS ARE ACCUSED OF directly from the lawsuit!

Why every single one of these teachers has not been immediately suspended and why Union City, NJ Mayor and Senator Brian Stack, the Union City Board of Education and Superintendent Sylvia ABBATO have not done an immediate press conference about these extremely serious and disturbing allegations is absolutely insane!

If you are a parent of a Union City, NJ STUDENT, are you comfortable sending YOUR children to school???

A brave 34-year-old survivor, G.R., has filed a powerful civil lawsuit in Superior Court of New Jersey (Bergen County) against the Union City School District, Union City Board of Education, and multiple Emerson High School (now Union City High School) staff.

She was 16 years old when the grooming and abuse began in WHILE A STUDENT AT UNION CITY, NEW JERSEY SCHOOL’S in 2008.

Francisco Lindo already pled guilty to 2nd-degree endangering the welfare of a child and served 5 years in prison.

But the complaint accuses MANY MORE Union City TEACHERS and ADMINISTRATORS of participating, enabling, harassing, or covering it up while the school did NOTHING.

Here is an ITEMIZED BREAKDOWN of EVERY SINGLE TEACHER & ADMINISTRATOR and EVERY ACCUSATION against them — pulled directly from the Lawsuit Complaint:

FRANCISCO LINDO – Math Teacher Groomed, sexually abused, and assaulted the minor plaintiff starting ~2008. Sent her romantic Spanish songs, made her stay after school to “grade papers,” sat next to her in class and touched her leg, had sexual intercourse with her inside Emerson High School classrooms (multiple times, including the week of June 22, 2008), texted her to meet in classrooms for sex during school hours, sent naked and suggestive pictures, followed and stalked her around school when she tried to stop, continued the sexual relationship outside school, bragged to other staff that he had a sexual relationship with her, and created an environment of fear and exploitation. Plaintiff personally told the nurse’s clerk Eugenia Vallejo; Lindo was arrested and pled guilty.

Note: everything written below are allegations and no statements of fact are being made here. All information in this Facebook post has been taken directly from the lawsuit filed by Union City, NJ former student known only as G.R.

EDWIN MARINEZ – Assistant Principal allegedly made sexual advances toward the minor plaintiff.

Became hostile and retaliatory toward her when his advances were rejected and after Lindo was arrested for abusing her.

Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Union City, NJ assistant principal EDWIN MARINEZ married one of his students as soon as she turned 18 which the student shared directly to Leroy Truth in his Facebook comments.

EDWIN MARINEZ has also been accused of having sexual relationships with numerous Union City, NJ students as well as allegedly threatening some of them who said no to his advances if they told anyone.

EDWIN MARINEZ is also accused of exposing hisHudson County Prosecutor’s OfficeNorth Bergen Police DepartmentnMikie SherrilleGovernor Mikie SherrilltMike RodriguezhLea DeMarations ranging from at least 1994 to 2017.

According to alleged victims of EDWIN MARINEZ including Union City Emerson High School graduates Jonathon Almeida and Michael Torres and others, according to the alleged victims, they claim that EDWIN MARINEZ would gather all of the football players into a huddle and then say things like, “ Who wants to see my dick?

And they claim Coach Edwin MARINEZ would “whip his dick out “and show the children and then whoever he caught looking at it, he would allegedlylabel them the “gay kid for the day “and then the other kids would make fun of the children who EDWIN MARINEZ would “CATCH LOOKING AT HIS DICK”. These are quotes from the alleged victims.

STEVE HANAK – Teacher allegedly Lifted up the minor plaintiff’s shirt and made sexually charged comments about her body after learning she had a sexual relationship with Lindo. On or around October 12, 2008, plaintiff personally informed him about Lindo’s grooming and abuse — he did nothing.

Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Failed to take any action after plaintiff emailed him alerting him to the sexually explicit misconduct happening in school.

Also engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior, made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

MARK RYAN – English Teacher allegedly Secretly recorded a video on his camera between the minor plaintiff’s legs during a school presentation and shared it with other staff members (Lindo told plaintiff it upset him because he wanted her exclusively).

Plaintiff emailed him directly alerting him to the “sexually explicit instances” occurring in Emerson High School — he took zero action.

Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Also engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior, made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

DENNIS MCMULLEN – Teacher allegedly Told the minor plaintiff he had erectile dysfunction and that “she could help him with that issue.”

Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior toward the minor plaintiff. Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted her. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

CRAIG LAPIERRE – Teacher allegedly Pursued his own sexual relationship with the minor plaintiff after he knew she had already been groomed, harassed, and assaulted by Lindo. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior.

Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

GREG CAMPBELL – Teacher allegedly Openly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior.

Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff. Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

GEORGE MORALES – Teacher Openly allegedly discussed with other staff “what he would do if he had the chance to have sex with” the minor plaintiff. Engaged in inappropriate and predatory behavior. Made further sexual advances, groomed, sexually harassed, and assaulted the minor plaintiff.

Participated in creating an environment of fear, harassment, and exploitation.

ROBERT FAZIO – Principal As principal during the entire period of abuse, he allegedly knew or should have known about the constant sexual grooming, contact, harassment, and assaults happening inside his school (including classrooms during school hours) yet failed to investigate, stop it, protect the student, report it, or take any action whatsoever.

The superintendent of Union City Schools has been ALSO been implicated in this lawsuit though he has not been named.

UNION CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT & UNION CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION Knew or should have known about everything above, failed to supervise, failed to report under NJ mandatory child-abuse laws, created and condoned a culture that tolerated teacher-student sexual relationships, concealed evidence, took no reasonable safeguards, allowed the abuse to continue for years, and even made their own sexually explicit videos of the minor plaintiff for their gratification.

The lawsuit is brought under the NJ Childhood Sexual Abuse Act and demands massive compensatory + punitive damages. The survivor says the trauma destroyed her mental health, trust, relationships, education — she had to flee to Florida to escape the targeting and gossip at college.

WHY HAVEN’T THESE TEACHERS BEEN SUSPENDED? WHY IS MAYOR BRIAN STACK COMPLETELY SILENT ON THIS HORROR? Union City parents — this is happening in YOUR schools. Share this post far and wide. Demand immediate suspensions. Demand answers. Demand justice for every child!

Got Tips Of ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR INDECENT EXPOSURE AND/OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S LIEUTENANT MATT FEDROW, HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF JIMMY DAVIS, Union City, NJ Assistant Principal and Teacher EDWIN MARINEZ and/or Corruption by Mayor/Senator Brian P. Stack? Call or Text The Leroy Truth Investigations CORRUPTION TIPS HOTLINE at: 305-707-8325 or Email: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com Or Mail Me Directly at: Leroy Truth P.O. Box 3464 Stamford, Ct 06905

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TAKE ACTION NOW — PROTECT THE CHILDREN

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FBI TIP LINE — REPORT IMMEDIATELY

1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) https://tips.fbi.gov

If you have ANY information — CALL THE FBI NOW Your voice could STOP ABUSE & SAVE A CHILD

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LEROY TRUTH INVESTIGATIONS — CORRUPTION TIPS HOTLINE

GOT TIPS OF ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND/OR INDECENT EXPOSURE AND/OR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT OF HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S LIEUTENANT MATT FEDROW, HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF JIMMY DAVIS, UNION CITY, NJ ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND TEACHER EDWIN MARINEZ AND/OR CORRUPTION BY MAYOR/SENATOR BRIAN P. STACK?

CALL OR TEXT NOW: 305-707-8325 EMAIL: LeroyTruth247@gmail.com MAIL: Leroy Truth P.O. Box 3464 Stamford, CT 06905

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DO NOT STAY SILENT — SPEAK UP — REPORT — PROTECT THE CHILDREN

YOUR TIP COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING

#UnionCityNJ #SchoolAbuseScandal #TeacherMisconduct #ProtectOurKids #JusticeForGR #UnionCitySchools #BergenCountyLawsuit #EndChildAbuse #DemandActionNow

Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office North Bergen Police Department Mikie Sherrill Governor Mikie Sherrill Mike Rodriguez Lea DeMaraCLUSIVE!

The post THE DETAILS! EXPLOSIVE LAWSUIT BOMBSHELL DETAILS OF THE SEXUAL ABUSE: UNION CITY, NJ SCHOOLS CAUGHT IN A NIGHTMARE OF MASSIVE TEACHER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST A MINOR STUDENT — FULL DETAILS STRAIGHT FROM THE COURT COMPLAINT! first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

The lawsuit centers on allegations that former math teacher Francisco Lindo groomed and sexually abused the student while she was a minor. According to the claims, Lindo later lost his teaching certification and served time in prison in connection with the relationship.

The complaint also names several other educators and administrators, alleging that some school staff knew about or failed to act on reports of misconduct at the time. The lawsuit asserts that systemic failures within the school district allowed abuse and harassment to continue.

Community members are now demanding immediate action. Some residents and activists are calling for the suspension of any teachers still employed by Union City schools who are named in the lawsuit until a full investigation is completed.

Among the individuals identified in public discussions surrounding the case are teachers who are currently working at Union City High School, including physics teacher Craig Lapierre, biology teacher Gregory Campbell, and history teacher George Morales, who is also reportedly involved in student leadership programs such as Peer Group Connection and Student Council. These programs often meet after school hours, which critics say raises additional concerns about student supervision.

Others named in connection with the historical allegations include teacher Mark Ryan, former teachers Dennis McMullen and Steve Hanak (possibly known to be the brother of former Union City Police Chief and current Director of School Security Paul Hanak), and administrators who were in leadership roles at the time the alleged incidents occurred.

Attention has also turned to district leadership. Former Superintendent Stanley Sanger, who oversaw the school system during the period referenced in the lawsuit, later retired and reportedly went on to hold other public positions.

Silvia Abbato, who served as an assistant superintendent during the time of the alleged incidents, is now the district’s superintendent.

Public pressure is also mounting on Union City Mayor Brian Stack, with some residents demanding that he issue an immediate public statement addressing the allegations. Critics claim that long-standing political leadership in the city contributed to a culture that failed to adequately confront or prevent alleged misconduct in the school system. Some activists are even calling for the mayor’s resignation, alleging a decades-long pattern of protecting individuals accused of inappropriate behavior.

The controversy has intensified further following recent reporting by investigative journalist Leroy Truth, who has been publicly discussing past allegations involving current Assistant Principal Edwin Marinez who is also mentioned in the new lawsuit. According to interviews conducted by the journalist, three former students have come forward in recent months to describe their own alleged experiences. These claims have not been proven in court, but they have added to community concerns about student safety and accountability within the district.

As the lawsuit moves forward through the legal process, residents say they want transparency, independent investigations, and immediate safeguards for current students. School officials have not yet publicly addressed all of the specific allegations, and it remains unclear what administrative actions, if any, will be taken in response to the growing public outcry.

The case is expected to draw continued attention as legal proceedings unfold and as community members call for reforms aimed at strengthening oversight, reporting procedures, and student protections in Union City schools.

The post Union City School District Faces Another Lawsuit: Alleges Widespread School Sexual Misconduct first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

Since the late 19th century, the office of Sheriff in Hudson County has remained one of the most enduring and visible institutions in local government. Rooted in a law-enforcement tradition that traces its origins back more than a thousand years to English and Scottish legal systems, the sheriff’s role evolved in the United States into a constitutionally recognized county office responsible for courts, civil process, corrections-related duties, and broader public safety functions.

In Hudson County, the history of the sheriff’s office reflects not only law-enforcement evolution, but also the county’s deep political traditions, power struggles, controversies, and institutional reforms that have shaped its governance for generations.

The Early Years: Foundations, Patronage, and Machine Politics (1872-1905)

The documented modern record begins with Jacob Reinhardt (1872-1875), followed by Patrick Lafferty (1875-1878) and John J. Toffey (1878-1881). These early administrations operated during rapid industrialization and population growth across Jersey City, Hoboken, and surrounding municipalities.

Hudson County politics during this era became increasingly dominated by organized political machines. The environment in which sheriff’s deputies and local political figures operated was often marked by election fraud allegations, patronage networks, and ward-level power struggles, a pattern seen across Hudson County political history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Leadership continued under Cornelius Cronin (1881-1884), Ferdinar Heintz (1884-1887), Robert Dorus (1887-1890), John McPhilips (1890-1892), Edward Stanton (1892-1893), and John J. Toffy (1893-1896). Transitional leadership in 1899 included Alex McLean and Carl Ruempler, illustrating the instability and political maneuvering common in county offices of the period.

Consolidation and Political Influence (1902-1935)

Entering the 20th century, sheriffs such as John Zeller (1902-1905) and John Kaiser (1905-1908) served amid increasingly centralized political control. Hudson County’s governing structure — particularly the dominance of party organizations — influenced sheriff elections and operational priorities.

Subsequent administrations included James J. Kelly (1908-1911), Peter Wedin (1911-1914), Eugene Kinkead (1914-1917), and John Magner (1917-1920). Their tenures spanned major national crises such as World War I and Prohibition, periods that dramatically altered enforcement responsibilities.

Leadership continued through the Depression era with Thomas Madigan (1920-1923), John Hannan (1923-1926), John J. Coppinger (1926-1929), William V. O’Driscoll (1929-1932), and Joseph Colford (1932-1935).

Mid-Century Transformation and Institutional Stability (1935-1972)

Sheriffs including Hugh F. Parle (1935-1938), Joseph J. McGurk (1938-1939), Eugene Ertle (1939-1942), and William J. McGovern (1942-1945) led the office through World War II and its aftermath.

Post-war leadership under Thomas J. Fleming (1945-1951) and William J. Kelly Jr. (1951-1954) coincided with suburban expansion and modernization of law-enforcement practices.

The mid-century period also included Philip A. Healy (1954), William J. Flanagan (1954-1962), and George M. Bonelli (1962-1972). During this era, Hudson County’s broader political structure remained heavily influenced by party organizations, contributing to one-party dominance in countywide offices that would last for decades. 

A brief transitional period in 1972 saw James Deevey serve before William J. Wolfe (1972-1974) assumed office.

Modernization and Professionalization — with Political Undercurrents (1975-2011)

The late 20th century brought operational modernization beginning with Frederick M. Stevens (1975-1977) and John P. Gillen (1977-1981).

Leadership continued with Peter DiNardo (1981-1983), Dominick Pugliese (1983-1986), and Edward Webster (1986-1995).

During this broader period, Hudson County government itself became the subject of high-profile corruption investigations, most notably involving county leadership outside the sheriff’s office. Former county executive Robert Janiszewski later pleaded guilty to accepting bribes and cooperated in a federal corruption probe, illustrating the intense scrutiny surrounding county governance structures in which the sheriff’s office operated. 

The office entered a lengthy modern administrative phase under Joseph T. Cassidy (1995-2008), followed by Juan Perez (2008-2011).

Contemporary Era: Conflict, Reform, and Political Realignment (2011-2026)

The modern era of the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office was defined by the extended tenure of Frank X. Schillari (2011-2025). His administration saw expanded court security operations, regional policing initiatives, and increased interagency cooperation.

However, Schillari’s tenure also intersected with several controversies and political conflicts:

– In 2018, the department drew public attention after a recruit was terminated for failing to disclose prior involvement in adult-entertainment work, a disciplinary matter that generated widespread media coverage. 

– Budget disputes emerged between the sheriff’s office and county leadership, with county officials criticizing transparency in staffing and overtime spending while the sheriff’s office disputed funding claims. 

– His final re-election campaign became a highly contentious political battle involving public accusations and disputes over campaign messaging. 

A tragic incident also shook the department in May 2025 when a sheriff’s officer died after falling from a county building while on duty, prompting an investigation and drawing public attention to workplace conditions and officer welfare. 

Historic Political Shift

Perhaps the most significant political development in the office’s modern history occurred during Schillari’s final months in office. After losing the Democratic primary for sheriff in 2025, he switched his party affiliation to Republican, ending a century-long tradition of uninterrupted Democratic control of the sheriff’s office. 

This shift represented one of the most notable political realignments in Hudson County constitutional offices in modern times.

The Present Administration and Continuing Legacy

Following the 2025 election, James M. “Jimmy” Davis (2026-present) assumed office as the county’s 55th sheriff, marking the latest chapter in an institution shaped by more than 150 years of leadership transitions, political conflict, institutional reform, and evolving public-safety responsibilities.

Sheriff Davis brings his own controversies during his tenure as Mayor of Bayonne involving sexting and sexual harassment allegations. Currently the Sheriff is accused of political retaliation against civilian county employees and sheriff officers who did not politically support his campaign for sheriff.

A Continuing Institutional Legacy

From the political patronage systems of the late 1800s to the professional law-enforcement structures of today, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office reflects the broader evolution of local government in one of New Jersey’s most densely populated and historically significant counties.

The documented succession of sheriffs from 1872 through 2026 illustrates not only changes in leadership but also the enduring importance of the office in maintaining public order, supporting the judiciary, and adapting to the shifting needs of Hudson County residents.

As the office moves forward under current leadership, its history serves as a reminder that local institutions — shaped by decades of public service, political change, and community demands — remain central to the functioning of county government.

Jacob Reinhardt — 1872–1875 — Republican

Patrick Lafferty — 1875–1878 — Democrat

John J. Toffey — 1878–1881 — Republican

Cornelius Cronin — 1881–1884 — Democrat

Ferdinar Heintz — 1884–1887 — Republican

Robert Dorus — 1887–1890 — Democrat

John McPhilips — 1890–1892 — Democrat

Edward Stanton — 1892–1893 — Democrat

John J. Toffy — 1893–1896 — Republican

Alex McLean — 1899–1899 — Democrat

Carl Ruempler — 1899–1902 — Democrat

John Zeller — 1902–1905 — Democrat

John Kaiser — 1905–1908 — Republican

James J. Kelly — 1908–1911 — Democrat

Peter Wedin — 1911–1914 — Democrat

Eugene Kinkead — 1914–1917 — Democrat

John Magner — 1917–1920 — Democrat

Thomas Madigan — 1920–1923 — Democrat

John Hannan — 1923–1926 — Democrat

John J. Coppinger — 1926–1929 — Democrat

William V. O’Driscoll — 1929–1932 — Democrat

Joseph Colford — 1932–1935 — Democrat

Hugh F. Parle — 1935–1938 — Democrat

Joseph J. McGurk — 1938–1939 — Democrat

Eugene Ertle — 1939–1942 — Democrat

William J. McGovern — 1942–1945 — Democrat

Thomas J. Fleming — 1945–1951 — Democrat

William J. Kelly Jr. — 1951–1954 — Democrat

Philip A. Healy — 1954–1954 — Democrat

William J. Flanagan — 1954–1962 — Democrat

George M. Bonelli — 1962–1972 — Democrat

James Deevey — 1972–1972 — Democrat

William J. Wolfe — 1972–1974 — Democrat

Frederick M. Stevens — 1975–1977 — Democrat

John P. Gillen — 1977–1981 — Democrat

Peter Dinardo — 1981–1983 — Democrat

Dominick Pugliese — 1983–1986 — Democrat

Edward Webster — 1986–1995 — Democrat

Joseph T. Cassidy — 1995–2008 — Democrat

Juan Perez — 2008–2011 — Democrat

Frank X. Schillari — 2011–2025 — Democrat/Republican

James M. Davis — 2026–Current — Democrat

The post THE HUDSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: It’s History first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

As Christ Hospital — now known as Heights University Hospital — moves toward closure, many residents are asking the same question: who is really responsible?

A hospital does not shut down overnight. Closures usually happen after years of financial trouble, declining services, weak oversight, and delayed action from leaders who only react when the crisis becomes public. That appears to be the situation Jersey City now faces.

Hudson Regional Health, which took over the struggling facility, says the hospital lost more than $74 million last year and is expected to lose tens of millions more. The company argues it invested heavily but can no longer continue operations. Still, when a private operator takes control of a community hospital, it also takes on the responsibility of maintaining critical emergency care for residents. Many believe that obligation should not end simply because the finances become difficult.

State government also faces criticism. The New Jersey Department of Health has been reviewing the closure process, yet critics argue that oversight without early intervention allowed the situation to deteriorate. If warning signs were clear months ago, some residents question why stronger action was not taken sooner.

City leadership is also under scrutiny. The current administration entered office facing serious budget challenges and public criticism over issues such as snow response, rising property taxes, and ongoing service concerns. While the city has advanced policy initiatives like bike lane expansion and environmental measures, some residents feel the possible loss of a major hospital highlights a gap between long-term policy goals and urgent public safety priorities.

At the same time, the deeper issue extends beyond local politics. Urban hospitals that serve working-class and underinsured communities often operate under severe financial pressure. When funding declines and facilities age, these institutions become especially vulnerable to closure — even though the surrounding neighborhoods rely on them the most.

In the end, blame is likely shared. The operator bears responsibility for managing the hospital’s future, the state for ensuring effective oversight, and local leaders for responding quickly enough to protect essential services. But the crisis also reflects broader problems in how healthcare systems support — or fail to support — hospitals in cities like Jersey City.

For residents, the concern is simple and immediate: longer ambulance trips, crowded emergency rooms elsewhere, and reduced access to care. The larger lesson may be that waiting until a crisis becomes unavoidable makes solutions far more difficult — and far more painful for the community.

Separate from the broader policy debate, tensions also played out on the ground this afternoon when several elected local officials and state legislators joined a protest outside Christ Hospital. During the demonstration, some protesters have attempted to enter restricted areas of the hospital property, leading police to determine they were trespassing. Officers moved in and made arrests after several individuals reportedly refused to comply with orders to leave and physically resisted being taken into custody. The incident added another layer of conflict to an already charged situation surrounding the hospital’s uncertain future.

New Jersey Court of appeals have reported that they have rejected the application by the city to put an injunction against the closing of Christ Hospital

The post The Closure of Christ Hospital: Who Are The Fingers Pointing At? first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

Lodi, New Jersey — A significant federal labor ruling against the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad (LVARS) is drawing renewed scrutiny not only to the agency’s labor practices but also to the broader impact on emergency medical coverage for the local community.

In a January 28, 2026 Decision and Order, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) found that LVARS violated federal labor law by refusing to bargain in good faith with the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics, Local R2-644 and by unilaterally eliminating all paid EMT positions rather than negotiating with the certified union. The decision was entered as a default judgment after the employer failed to respond to the amended complaint, resulting in the allegations being deemed admitted under Board rules.

Mass Job Eliminations After Union Certification

The NLRB determined that after the union was certified in August 2023, LVARS made sweeping unilateral changes, including eliminating a daytime shift and later abolishing all paid emergency medical technician positions — full-time, part-time, and per diem — effective June 2024 without bargaining.

Federal labor law requires employers to negotiate over core workplace issues such as wages, hours, and staffing levels. The Board concluded LVARS’s conduct violated provisions of the National Labor Relations Act protecting employees’ rights to organize and requiring employers to bargain with certified unions.

As part of its remedy, the NLRB ordered LVARS to:

– Offer reinstatement to affected EMTs,

– Provide back pay, benefits, and interest,

– Rescind unilateral staffing and scheduling changes, and

– Recognize and bargain with the union moving forward.

Impact on Emergency Response Coverage

Beyond the labor dispute, the elimination of paid EMT positions has also raised concerns among residents and public safety observers about emergency response reliability.

Career EMT staffing typically allows for dedicated, scheduled coverage within a municipality. In contrast, volunteer systems often depend on the availability of responders at the time of an emergency. Since the termination of all paid EMT roles, Lodi has reportedly relied more heavily on mutual aid and county-level EMS resources, including regional response agencies that serve multiple municipalities like Bergen County EMS.

Public safety advocates note that while mutual aid systems are a critical component of emergency planning, they are not always structured to provide exclusive 24-hour coverage to a single town, potentially affecting response consistency during periods of high call volume or simultaneous incidents.

Union Rights and Broader EMS Workforce Issues

Labor supporters argue the ruling reflects wider tensions within the EMS profession, where many career EMTs have increasingly sought union representation to address concerns over wages, benefits, workplace protections, and long-term staffing stability.

They contend that eliminating paid positions rather than negotiating with a certified union not only violates federal law but can also disrupt continuity of care for communities that rely on professional emergency medical services.

Additional Allegations Under Review

Separate allegations involving governance and financial oversight issues — including reported concerns related to the administration of the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) — have been publicly raised and are said to be under review by appropriate authorities.

As of this time, the allegations surrounding not just the Board Members, but also the Lodi Volunteer officers such as; Christopher Pirrelli, who is also a Lt. with the Lodi Police Department, and Perrelli’s wife, Brianna Pirrelli. Both are also current employees with the Bergen County EMS. The NLRB decision itself addressed only the labor law violations tied to bargaining and job eliminations.

Compliance Required

LVARS must now comply with the Board’s order, post notices acknowledging employees’ rights, and certify corrective actions taken. The case is published as 374 NLRB No. 26 (2026), Case 22-CA-331846.

Observers say the decision sends a clear message to EMS agencies nationwide: union certification creates enforceable legal obligations — and staffing decisions can have consequences not only for workers, but for the communities they serve.

This matter continued to unfold as of the date of this publication.

The post Federal Labor Board Rules Against Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad, Orders Reinstatement of EMTs first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

Quiet retirement. Growing questions.

Deputy Chief David Corbisiero recently retired from the North Bergen Police Department – and inside township government, multiple sources say the circumstances behind it have become an “open secret.”

My latest investigation for The Exposure Report looks at what led up to the retirement, concerns surrounding Internal Affairs practices, and why many believe the story isn’t finished yet.

Read the full report below.

Quiet Exit, Unanswered Questions: Inside the Retirement of North Bergen Deputy Chief

David Corbisiero

By David Snow – The Exposure Report

A sudden leadership change inside the North Bergen Police Department is raising questions among officers, township employees, and residents about what may have happened behind the scenes.

Deputy Chief David Corbisiero recently filed for retirement, a move that occurred quietly and without a detailed public explanation. Leadership changes are not uncommon in law enforcement agencies, though multiple sources within township government and the police department say the circumstances surrounding this retirement may be tied to a deeper internal conflict that had been escalating within the department.

Internal Affairs Concerns

According to several sources familiar with internal department dynamics, concerns had been raised by some officers about how Internal Affairs investigations were being conducted.

Internal Affairs units are intended to operate independently and impartially when investigating complaints against officers. In the North Bergen Police Department, multiple sources say the Internal Affairs function was supervised and overseen within the department’s chain of command by Deputy Chief David Corbisiero.

Multiple sources say some members of the department had begun raising concerns that Internal Affairs processes were being used in ways they believed were retaliatory and, in certain cases, discriminatory toward specific officers.

Several sources also allege that some of the complaints used to initiate Internal Affairs investigations were not only retaliatory but, in their view, outright false, raising further concerns among officers about how disciplinary mechanisms were being used within the department.

Those concerns reportedly intensified in recent months and became a significant source of tension within the department.

New Jersey’s Attorney General guidelines governing Internal Affairs require that investigations be conducted fairly, objectively, and free from retaliation, standards designed to ensure accountability while protecting officers from improper disciplinary practices.

Potential Legal Action

Sources say the situation escalated to the point where potential legal action was being explored by at least one senior member of the department.

Under New Jersey law, individuals seeking to bring claims against a public entity or public employee must first file a tort claim notice, generally within 90 days of the alleged conduct.

Several sources familiar with the situation say such a filing was being considered before the deputy chief’s retirement occurred.

No tort claim notice has been publicly filed as of this writing.

A Quiet Exit

Shortly before any legal action could move forward, Deputy Chief Corbisiero retired from the department.

Multiple sources describe the retirement as the result of discussions involving township leadership and department personnel aimed at resolving a growing internal dispute before it escalated further.

Township officials have not publicly explained the circumstances leading to the retirement.

Who Will Lead the Department Next?

The retirement has also created an immediate leadership question inside the department.

The North Bergen Police Department currently has six captains, any of whom could potentially be considered for promotion to the rank of deputy chief.

However, as of now, no replacement has been announced, and township officials have not provided a timeline for when the position will be filled.

In most police departments, command vacancies are typically addressed quickly in order to maintain stability within the chain of command.

The delay has raised additional questions among officers and township employees about what factors may be influencing the decision.

Political Context

The situation is unfolding as township leadership looks ahead to the next municipal election cycle in 2027, when all seats on the township’s governing commission – including the position of mayor — will once again be on the ballot.

In North Bergen’s commission form of government, the mayor is selected from among the five commissioners elected by voters to serve four-year terms.

Leadership disputes within a police department can carry significant implications in any municipality, particularly as administrations consider long-term stability within key departments.

The Timeline Behind the Retirement

Several sources familiar with the situation say the timing of the retirement may be significant because of legal deadlines connected to potential claims.

Under New Jersey law, individuals who intend to bring legal claims against a public entity or public employee must first file a tort claim notice, which generally must be submitted within 90 days of the alleged conduct.

Sources say that before the deputy chief’s retirement, the possibility of such a filing had been discussed within the department.

At the same time, administrative rules governing public employee retirements can allow a short window in which certain retirement decisions may potentially be revisited or rescinded.

The overlap between those timelines has created a narrow period in which both the potential legal claim and the retirement decision remain within their respective deadlines.

Several sources say the timing has become a topic of discussion among municipal employees and members of the department.

Whether those deadlines played any role in the timing of the retirement has not been publicly addressed by township officials.

An Open Secret

Inside the township, the circumstances surrounding the deputy chief’s departure have become widely discussed among municipal employees and members of the police department.

Several township sources described the situation as “an open secret” within local government circles.

Despite that, no official explanation has been offered publicly regarding the events leading to the leadership change.

Questions That Remain

The retirement of Deputy Chief Corbisiero leaves several key questions unanswered:

What led to the sudden retirement of the deputy chief?

Were concerns about Internal Affairs practices a factor in the dispute described by sources?

Why has no successor been named despite multiple captains in the department?

And will additional details about the situation become public in the coming weeks?

Township officials have not publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding the retirement or provided an explanation for the delay in naming a successor.

Yet among those who work within township government and the police department, few believe the story behind the retirement will remain buried for long.

The Test of Leadership

Whatever the circumstances that led to Deputy Chief David Corbisiero’s departure, the moment now presents an opportunity for township leadership to reinforce a culture of accountability within the North Bergen Police Department.

Law enforcement agencies function best when officers know that raising concerns about internal practices will be taken seriously rather than discouraged. As the township considers who will fill the vacant deputy chief position, many within the department say the decision will send a clear message about the future direction of leadership – whether integrity, transparency, and the willingness to speak up in the face of internal problems are values that will be recognized and strengthened within the department.

For now, the retirement has closed one chapter inside the North Bergen Police Department. But according to several sources within township government and the department, the story behind what led to it may only be beginning.

The post Op-Ed: Questions Remain inside the NBPD first appeared on HUDTRUTH.

Several employees have provided letters, emails, incident reports, and other documentation describing what they say is a pattern of misconduct involving EMS Supervisor Yanci Gutierrez, formerly known as Yanci Acosta. The employees requested anonymity because they fear constant retaliation if their identities become public.

According to the whistleblowers, complaints about the supervisor have been raised repeatedly for years, but they say nothing has been done to correct the situation.

Years of Employee Complaints

Documents shared by employees describe a range of workplace issues they say have occurred over multiple years. From outdated, defective equipment to workplace harassment and bullying.

In several written complaints, employees and former employees, describe being called into offices and criticized over charting and paperwork issues in ways they say were humiliating or aggressive. Some employees say they were spoken about to coworkers instead of being addressed directly.

Other letters describe situations where former employees say they were treated differently than coworkers performing the same duties.

Another account by a former employee describes the supervisor speaking sarcastically and making comments that employees say were meant to belittle them.

Employees also say that once they raised complaints internally, the situation often became worse. Several whistleblowers claim that after speaking up, they were subjected to increased scrutiny, disciplinary write-ups, or negative comments.

According to employees, the pattern often ended the same way: the employee would eventually leave the department due to the husband, Chief and Director shielding her from accountability.

Claims of Interference During Patient Care

Some complaints go beyond workplace treatment and involve operational issues during emergency calls.

In one documented incident, an employee reported that during a trauma call the supervisor allegedly interrupted the EMT’s assessment of a patient and began asking questions that had already been asked.

According to the employee’s report, the situation delayed transport of the trauma patient and caused confusion on scene and undermining the employees medical judgement and micromanaging.

Allegations of Discrimination

Another complaint describes a situation in which a coworker allegedly made a racially offensive statement in front of several employees. Witnesses were reportedly present when the remark was made.

The whistleblowers say concerns about that incident were raised internally but claim they did not see meaningful action taken afterward.

Concerns About Workplace Culture

Several employees say the issues they described have created what they call a toxic workplace environment within the EMS division.

Whistleblowers state, employees often feel discouraged from reporting problems because they believe complaints will not be investigated properly by the administration and the city.

“People complain, nothing happens, and eventually they leave,” one employee said.

Some whistleblowers say the environment has become so difficult and state that EMTs across New Jersey who are thinking about applying for jobs in Union City may want to carefully consider the hostile and retaliatory working conditions before doing so.

“When interviewed for a position in Union City EMS, she would make inappropriate sexual comments about her and her husband during the interview!”

“Who does that?! We apply to get a job as EMTs and our first impressions with her is inappropriate sexual comments while I was getting interviewed! It was the most uncomfortable and unprofessional interview I have ever experienced.”

“All this in front of the chief of the department and her husband!”

Conflict of Interest Concerns

Employees say one of the biggest issues preventing accountability is what they describe as a conflict of interest within the department.

According to multiple employees, Supervisor Yanci Gutierrez is married to Administrative Supervisor Jose Gutierrez, who reportedly has authority over disciplinary actions, operations, schedules and personnel records within the EMS agency.

Whistleblowers say this arrangement makes employees question whether complaints against the supervisor can be reviewed fairly.

Some employees are rumored to believe complaints about the supervisor may not always appear in official personnel records. They believe complaints against this supervisor are rugged and not filed officially to maintain her record clean.

Employees say this situation has created a perception that the supervisor is protected from discipline.

“She can’t do anything wrong, she can do the worst thing to anyone and they will justify it to protect her just because of her marriage. No matter how stupid their excuse sound.”

“No matter what, we are always wrong and she’s always right to them. That’s how she gets away with it all the time.”

Questions About Oversight

Employees also raised concerns about the structure of the city’s personnel system.

According to whistleblowers, the city does not have a traditional internal human resources department. Instead, personnel matters are handled by a third-party personnel consultant hired by the city. Particularly by Judith Gottlieb.

Some employees say they believe this consultant is politically connected to city leadership, and is a regular financial contributor to Mayor Stack’s political campaigns; which they say raises questions about independence when investigating complaints involving municipal departments.

Employees also say that the city’s outside law firms, O’Toole Scrivo LLC, Scarinci Hollenbeck LLC and CSG Law PC, provide legal advice and are political donors to the administration, which they believe further limits independent oversight of workplace complaints.

Additionally, the Director of EMS, is a political appointment position by the Director of Public Safety, aka Mayor Brian Stack. As of the publication of this article, this position is currently held by Union City Police Captain Michael Bergbauer, who already is facing his own controversies and criticisms not just within the police department but also within EMS. According to the whistleblowers, Bergbauer is just another layer of political protection to this supervisor because of the alignment with the Mayor.

“We even have a Chief of EMS who does not know how to manage personnel issues. They all cover for each other while we have no other alternative but to take this public and lawyer up.” Said a former employee.

Allegations of Payroll Irregularities

In addition to harassment concerns, some former employees have raised a new allegation involving payroll and overtime.

According to these whistleblowers, the supervisor in question is alleged to have previously manipulated her work schedule in order to receive overtime pay for hours by excessive call outs or vacation time while simultaneously working overtime hours. The employees say they believe this issue should have been reviewed through an independent investigation.

“There was a time when she would always call out of her regular work days while also picking up most of the overtime shifts within the same week.”

New OPRA Request Filed

Concerns surrounding Union City EMS have recently drawn additional attention after a new Open Public Records Act (OPRA) request was filed.

The request, submitted on March 3, 2026, seeks records related to a medical emergency response that occurred on February 6, 2026, at 615 23rd Street in Union City.

The OPRA request asks for police and EMS records connected to that incident, including:

Police CAD dispatch logs Dispatch notes and radio transmissions Police body-camera footage EMS supervisor reports EMS supervisor daily activity logs Internal EMS incident reports Any documentation showing the timeline from dispatch to when the ambulance returned to service after the hospital transport.

The request also asks whether the EMS supervisor working that day recorded activity logs or reports documenting their work during the incident.

The records are intended to reconstruct what happened during the emergency call and determine whether the official reports match dispatch records and other documentation.

New Allegations Continue

According to whistleblowers, the concerns about harassment and bullying have not stopped. A whistleblower stated they have posted previously “no bullying” posters in their workplace because of this supervisor in which not long after it was removed.

Employees say there are new complaints currently being documented involving the same supervisor. Some employees claim the same patterns described in earlier complaints are continuing today and is currently being retaliated against.

Employees Seeking Legal Representation

Several whistleblowers confirmed they are now looking for legal representation to review the allegations and advise them on possible legal actions.

Employees say their goal is not only to address individual complaints but also to push for a broader review of how the EMS department handles workplace issues.

Calls for Independent Investigation

The employees say they believe the only way the situation can be resolved is through an investigation conducted outside the city’s internal administrative structure.

They argue that an independent review would determine whether the allegations represent isolated disputes or evidence of larger problems within the EMS division.

Until then, the frustration continues to grow with current and former employees that leaves them to speak publicly.

“We just want someone independent to look at everything, not family, not the chief, not political allies of the Mayor. We have years of documentation” one whistleblower said.

“No one should experience work place harassment like this. This would not happen anywhere else with her, she would be fired that’s why she’s only here.”

“We tried to handle everything internally, but it’s futile, so we have no other choice but to go public.”

Editor’s Note:

The allegations described in this article are based on documents and statements provided by current and former employees who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation. No outside investigative body has yet issued findings regarding the claims described above.

The post Whistleblowers Raise New Concerns About Harassment and Oversight at Union City EMS first appeared on HUDTRUTH.